Growers Express and Capurro Farms in discussions about partnership
Salinas, CA-based Growers Express and nearby Moss Landing, CA-based Capurro Farms are in discussions about a possible partnership between the two companies, Growers Express President and Chief Executive Officer Jamie Strachan confirmed to The Produce News Tuesday, Nov. 20.
"We're trying to figure out if there's a fit and where there's a fit," said Mr. Strachan, who characterized the discussions as "positive."
Bob Paliama receives 2007 Friend of Chile award
PHILADELPHIA -- Bob Paliama is the recipient of the 2007 Friend of Chile Award.
Mr. Paliama, who is president of Delaware River Stevedores, based here, received the award, which is presented annually to an outstanding member of the regional community with a strong commitment to fostering increased commercial and trade relations between Chile and greater Philadelphia. The award is presented at the annual award luncheon hosted by the Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia.
Produce associations unite against buyer consortium's food-safety guidelines
Speaking with one voice, 23 produce associations and commodity groups asked a buyer consortium to reconsider the effort it has launched to require suppliers to sign and comply with specific new food-safety guidelines.
Connecticut Department of Agriculture announces holiday farmers markets
HARTFORD, CT -- Although summer is but a distant memory in the Nutmeg State, there are still opportunities to include plenty of local flavors on the holiday table.
To meet the large and increasing demand for Connecticut-grown products, a number of farmers markets throughout the state have extended their season through the holidays. Several have remained open into these colder months, while others are re-opening in conjunction with special holiday events.
Chilean grape shippers oppose block by Coachella producers
As part of an effort to oppose what it believes is an unwarranted block of late-season Chilean red grapes by Coachella, CA, grape producers, the Chilean Exporters Association, known as ASOEX_and based in Santiago, has requested related market information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With this was a request for a 60-day extension on the comment period related to a proposed marketing order change.
New consumer campaign unearths potato's goodness
The Fresh Demand Working Group is set to launch an important signature campaign Jan. 15. "Potatoes: Goodness Unearthed" is the culmination of several months of in-depth consumer research by a leading New York-based international branding agency. Fresh Demand Working Group Co-Chair Tim O'Connor told The Produce News, "This is a campaign that will engage the entire industry."
SALINAS SCENE: Salinas Valley donates produce to assist fire victims
A truckload of Salinas Valley produce was scheduled to arrive Thursday, Nov. 15, in San Bernardino County, providing fire victims with food assistance thanks to the generosity of growers, shippers and food banks in and around the Salinas Valley.
The load included strawberries donated by Driscoll Strawberry Associates; salads from Dole Fresh Vegetables, Tanimura & Antle and Taylor Farms; bread from the Food Bank for Monterey County; and bottled water and dry goods from Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz & San Benito Counties.
New Bartlett Pear Ripeness Guide available to retail from USA Pears
How do consumers crave their pears? Crunchy and tart? Moist and mildly sweet? Bursting with sweetness and juice?
Throughout the ripening process, the Bartlett pear fits each of these delicious flavor and texture characteristics, and a new tool called the Bartlett Pear Ripeness Guide from Portland, OR-based USA Pears will help consumers determine when their Bartlett pears have reached the ripeness level they prefer.
CAIA 'spreads' good cheer at Rose Bowl tailgate party
UCLA and Notre Dame college football tailgaters feasted on free hot dogs and hamburgers featuring the creamy taste of Chilean Hass avocados during the Chilean Avocado Importers Association's first-ever college football tailgate party Oct. 6 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.
World Pack opens its doors in New Jersey
John Carapella, warehouse manager for World Pack, recently announced to The Produce News that its new facility in Gloucester City, NJ, is racked and ready, and now open and fully operational. World Pack's 94,000-square-foot facility is equipped to handle all products and importers' needs.